Which first? leash manners or heel.

[Jamie & Odin]

In the basic obed class we just finished my trainer did not teach the heel command. In her facility formal heel comes in the intermediate class.

She explained in the first session that she teaches loose leash manners in basic rather than the heel because she has seen many dogs, even obed titled, that do a beautiful heel but when not heeling have no leash manners.

She went on to say that by teaching loose leash first, the dog gains an understanding and respect for the leash and the handlers place at the end of it, which aids in the eventual teaching of the heel.

Further, loose leash is taught in such a way that the dog is expected not to pull under any circumstances, no matter the stimulus (we're not quite there yet;) )

What I didn't realize until a conversation in chat, is that this isn't typical of most trainers.

What are your thoughts?

[Judi W]

It is not unlike teaching the dog to be "light to pressure" that we use particularly with the dogs we want to do herding with. My two youngers have been raised from little in that fashion and they respond to the lightest touch. It is the Rottweiler's nature to push back against pressure, so it involves true teaching, but such a great thing when it is done. Nice to be able to bike or walk a dog with only finger holding on the lead and know you will get a response to that amount of pressure. The instructor makes good sense especially if the class has mostly dogs that are not even leash broke.

That of course, doesn't mean you don't put your dog close in crowded quarters, but it means you can take a leisurely walk without it being a hassle of tug and pull, making the whole thing miserable for both handler and dog. True formal heeling requires great attention and effort and one should be able to enjoy a casual walk with the dog which is what she is aiming for. Good on her.

[laurlitt]

I recall that in the 8 week class I did with Blaise 1.5 years) that we learned it ALL in the beginning class. A huge mistake in my opinion (especially b/c it was compulsion based). I think if the dog is a puppy that formal heeling is too much to ask and it's better to work on the foundation things (sit, down, come, light leash work, etc.).

I think my friend who teaches OB for beginningers just a casual heel in her 6 week class.

[MrsBoats]

I second Judi with what she has to say. I would follow the advice of your trainer. Heeling will come eventually.

Nice to be able to bike or walk a dog with only finger holding on the lead and know you will get a response to that amount of pressure

Ain't that the truth. I run with Sam and I put my hand through the loop at the end and wear the loop around my wrist. It's nice since my hands are free to move naturally. I can give him a slight tug on the leash and he pulls right in close. I can also say "By Me" and I get the same response. I don't use a formal heel much at all in the real world....just to impress someone with the rottie breed. Loose leash heeling is much more practical when just going for a walk.

[Ilovemypuppy]

What are the principles used to teach loose leash heeling in your class ? What sort of correction was used for puppies ? Thanks...:) The tip from Judi W about giving occasional treats to prevent lagging behind really works wonders..it's too easy to get into the habit of only treating the end product.

[Jamie & Odin]

The method used was to walk the dog and as soon as it pulls to turn in the other direction while giving a "tug" on the leash, when the dog turns to face you, praise effusively and treat, especially at first. Like all training, conduct in areas of limited distraction initially, and increase distraction through time. All though, the way she did it, a number of the dogs were able to walk through the crowd without pulling almost immediately.

What she told us was that the dog can pretty much go where ever he/she wishes, as long as it doesn't pull and keeps an eye on the handler, ready to follow.

Most of the dogs in class were a bit older, I'd say the youngest were 6 mos, and not a leash trained one among them, except Odin has always done pretty well, I just didn't have all the proper methodology until formal class.

Thanks for the input, this trainer is just fantastic!